WIZO Nir Haemek graduate dreams of the Olympics
26th August 2010.
Running Far with WIZO
Damasso Zagia, aged 19, national champion in long distance running, and a graduate of the dormitory in WIZO Nir Haemek, under the sponsorship of WIZO Argentina and WIZO USA, runs 20 meters each day in the fields of WIZO Nir Haemek. Damasso competes professionally in long distant races: 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers and a half marathon, and won a gold medal in a nationwide competition. He exercises every day, with a volunteer trainer. His professional running shoes were supplied by WIZO Nir Haemek, where he lives, and WIZO Nir Haemek is giving him every support. Damasso says, 'I want to reach the Olympics, I dream of walking around the stadium holding the Israeli flag'.
Damasso is a new immigrant from Ethiopia, who immigrated to Israel, alone, four years ago, and is learning, and living, at WIZO Nir Haemek, next to Afulla. The staff at the youth village encouraged him to do what he loved doing, and excels in – long distance running, at the same time as he was studying for his matriculation. According to Damasso 'This school only gives the best. Without their help I could not have got anywhere, not with shoes, nor apparatus, nor private coaching. Ivrit was hard for me, so they found me a private teacher. Whatever I asked for, I got – shoes, running gear, sweat suits. Every two months I need new shoes, which cost hundreds of shekels, because I run out in the field, where there are small stones. WIZO provided me with professional running shoes and other equipment, and I am very grateful to them, I will never forget it. The staff in the school are just looking for ways to help – they are just good people'.
Damasso's parents are separated, one lives in Bet Shemesh and the other in Haifa. He has ten brothers and sisters, and therefore has no financial backing to help him in life or with his training in the youth village, which is costly.
Not only is Damasso an excellent runner, he is also a very good pupil. He successfully obtained his matriculation certificate this year, after learning in the unique 'Police Academy', Sociology and Criminology, at WIZO Nir Haemek. At the same time, he was given the opportunity by the school, as all pupils from Ethiopia, to sit his matriculation examinations in the Amharic language, at five unit level. He was successful in the examination.
Esti Cohen, the Director General of WIZO Nir Haemek says, 'We have absorbed many new immigrants over recent years. We work with the children on raising their self image and their belief in themselves, as well as providing a homely, and supportive atmosphere, surrounded by a sensitive staff who make them feel a part of the dormitory. Individual programs are suited to the needs of each pupil'.
Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive. 'WIZO is happy to have the opportunity to help Damasso and to be at his side during this long journey, each and every day, as he continues with his sport. We try and support and encourage every pupil. We give all the immigrant pupils, at WIZO Nir Haemek, special attention, ongoing and in depth, which is bringing results. Our schools specializes in nurturing our pupils, in small classrooms. Our learning methods are unique, and are specially suited to the pupils, some of whom are below average, providing them with extra learning hours, extra coaching and supervising and strengthening their individual talents such as music, sport and art. This investment costs a lot of money, but is worth it's weight in gold. They grow up into caring citizens, the pride of the State of Israel.'
The Gesher Project, is for graduates of the dormitory (over the age of 18), who lack support, both from the financial and the familial aspects. During the framework of the project, WIZO Nir Haemek enables these same girls and boys, to live in the youth village, up to the age of 25. They are looked after by a counselor and staff, who provide financial, familial, and emotional support.
Esti Cohen says, ' We are pleased that Damasso will continue living in WIZO Nir Haemek over the coming years, at the same time as he will serve in the IDF. His next competition will be on the 28th of September and we wish him lots of luck'.
From Helena Glaser Re: Members of the Zionist General Council
14th Av 5770
25th July 2010
To:
Members of the Zionist General Council and its Presidium
Shalom,
The new Zionist General Council was elected by the Zionist Congress which convened in Jerusalem in June this year.
I am honored to become the head of this esteemed body whose task, in accordance with the Constitution of the World Zionist Organization, is to engage in shaping WZO policy on matters and issues on the agenda of the Jewish people, and to hold dialogue with representatives from within Israeli society and Jewish communities around the world.
The Constitution of the World Zionist Organization also determines that in the period between sessions of the Zionist General Council, its Presidium shall represent the WZO in all matters relating to the role of the General Council as a body that deliberates on matters and issues on the agenda of the Jewish people.
I have no doubt that the formulation of these instructions in the Constitution of the World Zionist Organization expresses the importance of this legislative body and the imperative of their implementation, particularly insofar as they relate to items on the agenda of the Jewish people. No less important in this instance is the need to engage in a dialogue between ourselves and representatives of Israeli society and Jewish communities around the world. In so doing, we can enhance and empower the Zionist General Council's activity and bring its deliberations and decisions more closely into line with the Israeli/Jewish reality and their present needs.
For this purpose, I believe it is essential to engage in brainstorming with leading academics and public leadership from Israel and the Diaspora, and to present the outcomes of this process for discussion in order to formulate policy within the framework of the Presidium and the Zionist General Council at the June 2011 meeting.
I shall do everything I can, and this in consultative process with each and every one of you, in order to establish the Zionist General Council as an influential factor in the Zionist movement's leadership modality. This applies equally to the Council's activity in relation to Israeli society and Jewish communities around the world, to molding content appropriate to the principles of Zionism in a changing Jewish world, as well as to ensuring a productive cooperation with the Zionist Executive which is responsible, through the departments, for the implementation of the policy set down by the Zionist Congress and – in the inter-Congress period – by the Zionist General Council and its Presidium.
It remains but for me to thank everyone, in advance, for your cooperation, and to wish ourselves every success in fulfilling the responsibilities laid upon us, and in stabilizing the status of the Zionist movement and the Zionist Idea within Israeli society and the Jewish people, wherever they may be.
With my appreciation and warmest regards,
Helena Glazer
Shana Tova from Tova Ben Dov
Erev Rosh Hashana, 5771
8th. September, 2010
To: Presidents and Chairpersons of all WIZO Federations:
Dear Chaveroth,
תכלה שנה וקללותיה, ותחל שנה וברכותיה
'Let this year end with its' curses
Let the new year begin with its' blessings' (from the Sages)
This year, as every other year, we stand together and try to put our troubles behind us, whilst looking forward to the future. It has not been an easy year. Throughout the world nature has reminded us not to underestimate her strength, and hundreds of thousands have fallen to mud slides, flooding, fires caused by high temperatures and earthquakes. The forces of evil, infiltrate into our 'enlightened' world, and, as throughout our history, the Jewish people are the first to suffer from the regression back into the dark ages of religious fanaticism. The world is also struggling with the aftermath of the financial crisis that shook many foundations during the last year, and stubbornly refuses to disappear.
But, before sinking into despair, and in spite of all our troubles, we are very blessed. Despite the world's bad press and its ongoing condemnations, the tourists, from all walks of life, keep arriving, fascinated by our small country, that refuses to give in to the Goliaths of the world. Our scientists continue to invent new medical procedures, our hi-tech start ups are being bought worldwide, our streets, markets, and real estate are all thriving. Just three weeks ago, Prof. Elon Lindenstrauss, was awarded the prestigious Fields Medal (the Nobel prize for mathematicians under 40 years old)for his complicated work in ergodic theory, a field of mathematics.
And we in WIZO, are celebrating the 90th anniversary of this wonderful enterprise that was set up by our mothers and grandmothers and has become an integral part of our Jewish state. We are a huge machine. The WIZO machine pumps out education to those who were not born into the most intellectual of environments, we pump values into those who have only seen neglect, crime and addiction, we pump out fresh air and new beginnings to
those who have been kept in a world of violence and fear, we pump Israeli culture into those who have come from the most backward of societies.
We pump and we pump. But like any machine, we need oil to keep our wheels turning, and you, in our federations, provide that oil, through your ongoing support and your never ending efforts to raise funds.
Sadly, following the global financial crisis, that flow of support is lessening, and our machine is groaning and creaking, as it tries to keep its wheels turning. Here in WIZO, we are having our own oil disaster, which, to us, is just as threatening as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Rosh Hashana gives us the opportunity to once again put our priorities into their correct perspective. How can we make the world a better place? How can we strengthen our beloved State of Israel? ……One child at a time……...
We cannot afford to stand aside, whilst global economics threaten all that we, and our ancestors, have worked for, and that so many rely upon. Now is the time to put a cap on the downward trend, join forces, put on our thinking caps, and pay tribute to our founding mothers, by duplicating their efforts and determination of ninety years ago, so that we can once again see the oil gushing into our WIZO machine.
Together, let us pray and look forward to a better year, a year in which the unity of our people reaches new heights, a year filled with peace and prosperity.
I wish you all a Shana Tova
Tova Ben-Dov
Chairperson World WIZO Executive
Letter from Tova Ben Dov Registration to the MOR
30th August 2010
TO ALL PRESIDENTS/CHAIRPERSONS OF WIZO FEDERATIONS
Dear Chaveroth,
Re: Registration to the MOR – meeting of Representatives
16 – 20 January 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, Tel Aviv
I hope that this letter finds you all well, and I am sure that you are in the midst of preparations for Rosh Hashana.
Thank you for confirming receipt of my letters asking you to ‘SAVE THE DATE’ for the 2011 MOR taking place between 16 – 20 January 2011. This annual meeting is a wonderful opportunity for our WIZO leaders to meet and discuss important matters pertaining to our WIZO projects, to our financial situation and to new ideas and working methods and I look forward to welcoming you all in January 2011.
Orna Ref, Director of the Tourist Dept. will send you all in a few days the registration forms for your rooms at the Hilton Hotel, which should be sent directly to the Hotel.
After Rosh Hashana, we shall send out more details regarding the contents of the MOR 2011, but in the meantime I ask you kindly to book your accommodation well in advance.
Please write to me directly confirming your attendance to the MOR and give the names of those authorized to attend from your Federation.
I look forward to hearing from you, and in the meantime, I send you my best personal good wishes for Rosh Hashana.
Affectionately yours,
Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson World WIZO Executive
Twenty-Five Years: The U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement
Twenty-Five Years:The U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement
In 1985, the United States and Israel signed the historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Although only 20-pages-long, the accord would become the lynchpin of an expanding economic relationship. The agreement was the first of its kind between the United States and any other country. Its success led to similar agreements between the U.S. and other countries around the world.
The United States and Israel have enjoyed a spectacular economic partnership in the 25 years since the FTA was signed. It largely eliminated tariffs and quota limits on trade in goods. As a result trade has boomed—increasing by more than $45 billion since 1985.
The FTA proved to be a tipping point. Trade between the two allies had been minimal at the time of its signing, with Israel actually receiving more in U.S. aid than it exported to the United States. Last year, however, more than $35 billion in goods and services were traded between the United States and Israel, far outpacing the $3 billion Israel received in U.S. aid. .
The formalization of the economic ties between the two nations through the FTA has helped strengthen the entire relationship, leading to increased cooperation across a variety of industries. U.S. companies have actively sought to invest in what was a new and quickly developing market. Last year, U.S. firms invested more than $10 billion in Israel to tap its ingenuity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Today, Israel is ranked among the world’s 20 most competitive economies and has recently joined the global community’s most exclusive economic forum, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Building on the FTA, Israel has gained international credibility, enabling it to accelerate its economic growth.
New Market Opportunities
Israel currently stands as the 22nd-largest export market for U.S. goods—a remarkable ranking given the relative size of Israel’s economy and a population that represents a mere 2 percent of the Middle East’s populace. The billions of dollars in U.S. sales to Israel help generate thousands of American jobs across a variety of sectors including technology, agriculture and finance.
American companies are also reaping the rewards of direct investment in Israel’s economy. Corporations such as Intel, Microsoft and Google have invested billions of dollars in the Jewish state, with some locating leading international research-and-development operations there.
Israeli Innovation
Israeli innovation and the joint partnerships it has created have been a vital aspect of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Technological advancements such as cell phones, voicemail and instant messaging were partly developed in the Jewish state.
Computer chip giant Intel, for instance, credits its Haifa plant with developing the “best microprocessors we’ve ever designed,” in the words of Intel CEO Paul Otellini. Referring to the Israeli-developed Core 2 Duo processor—the world’s fastest computer processor which helped the company maintain its market dominance—American Technology Research analyst Dough Freedman said "they saved the company. Without those new products, Intel would be in a lot more trouble."
Peace through Economics
Among the FTA’s crowning achievements has been its success in enhancing Israel’s relationship with its neighbors Jordan and Egypt. The agreement became the legal underpinning for what became known as the Israel-Jordan Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) and the Israel-Egypt QIZ. Cooperation is incentivized, as goods produced in these zones are awarded duty free access to the U.S. market – provided they contain a certain amount of Israeli content. These QIZs employ 15,000 workers in Jordan and 100,000 in Egypt, helping strengthen their economies and deepen their connection to Israel.
*Articles published by AIPAC from the Near East Report
Ya no somos cuatro gatos
Ya no somos cuatro gatos
Hace unos años, cuando coordiné con la inapreciable ayuda de Pilar
Rahola y Jaime Naifleisch el volumen colectivo En defensa de Israel,
aquellos que creíamos en el derecho del Estado israelí a existir y a
defenderse, sin ser judíos, por razones éticas, políticas y hasta
estéticas, éramos cuatro gatos, o lo parecíamos, porque no dejábamos
de ser los pocos más o menos intelectuales de siempre.
El libro no fue aceptado por ninguna editorial grande, de las que
habitualmente publican los libros de quienes participábamos de esa
rara obrita, y terminó por ser impresa por un discreto editor de
Zaragoza dedicado a temas judaicos. Personas conocidas, sí, pero no de
un relieve político de verdadero peso. Hubo un editor que se pronunció
claramente a favor de la "causa palestina".
Pero hoy eso ha cambiado. Defender Israel ya ha dejado de ser cosa de
raros. Estaba yo reseñando para La Ilustración Liberal el libro de
Marcello Pera Por qué debemos considerarnos cristianos, y hablando de
él y de José María Aznar y de sus discursos en la presentación del
volumen, cuando me llegó la noticia de la creación de la Iniciativa
Amigos de Israel , justamente sobre un texto de Aznar y con Pera como
primer firmante del manifiesto fundacional. Desde luego, me puse muy
contento y comuniqué a unos cuantos amigos la buena nueva. Sólo más
tarde empecé a considerar el asunto en toda su extensión, sobre todo a
partir del momento en que lo comenté durante la cena: dije que Aznar
había definido operativamente su posición frente a Israel y alguien me
respondió sonriendo con la frase: "Y ahí estarás tu". No, contesté; yo
estoy ahí desde hace medio siglo: lo importante es que venga él. Lo
dije a conciencia de que Aznar ha venido hace tiempo, y obviando el
hecho de que a las mismas personas con las que cenaba les había
explicado hacía poco las ideas de nuestro ex presidente sobre el
ingreso de Israel, y no de Turquía, en la Unión Europea.
¿Y por qué es tan importante que Aznar dé ese paso? Que diga,
resumiendo, que Israel es un país occidental enclavado en Medio
Oriente; que tiene derecho a existir y, como nación soberana, a
defenderse; que Israel está de nuestro lado; que la paz en la región
depende del reconocimiento del Estado de Israel por los palestinos;
que hay que luchar contra la constante deslegitimación del Estado de
Israel en cada país, en el mundo y en las instituciones
internacionales; que hay que dar muestras públicas de adhesión a las
instituciones democráticas israelíes; que hay que apoyar el
inalienable derecho israelí a poseer fronteras seguras, no
cuestionadas por terroristas o por regímenes despóticos, para que sus
ciudadanos vivan con las mismas garantías con que vivimos nosotros;
que hay, para ello, que oponerse coherente y firmemente a un Irán con
armamento nuclear; que hay que trabajar para asegurar que Israel sea
aceptado como un país occidental normal, una parte indivisible del
mundo occidental al que pertenecemos; y reafirmar el valor religioso,
moral y cultural de la herencia judeocristiana como sustento
fundamental de las sociedades liberales y democráticas de Occidente.
José María Aznar. El programa no es nuevo, claro, y yo mismo he
escrito en diversas ocasiones acerca de todos esos aspectos de la
cuestión, pero ésa, la de escribir, es mi tarea, y su alcance es
sumamente limitado.
Aznar es el primer dirigente occidental, en los sesenta y dos años de
existencia de Israel, que se pronuncia con esa claridad. El primero de
ese nivel: un ex presidente de una nación verdaderamente importante,
decisiva, a pesar de todo lo que se está haciendo desde dentro y desde
fuera para destruirla. Ni Churchill, para quien la Partición significó
un gran alivio y después no volvió a meterse en el tema, ni Roosevelt,
con toda su mala conciencia por no haber ayudado a los judíos a salvar
sus vidas, por haberles impuesto unos brutales e innecesarios cupos de
inmigración que, en no pocos casos, representaron el retorno a Europa
y la caída en los campos y las cámaras de gas. Si un solo hombre de la
categoría política de José María Aznar hubiese sido así de claro en
relación con los judíos en 1940, muy diferente habría sido la
historia.
Era sencillo responder al paganismo nazi con la tradición
judeocristiana, pero nadie lo hizo. Nadie dijo abiertamente que las
puertas de sus países estaban abiertas a los judíos porque son
nuestros hermanos mayores. Ni un presidente, ni un Papa: sólo la
Familia Real danesa se puso en el pecho la estrella amarilla, cuando
ya era demasiado tarde. (Por eso no me sorprende que los mayores
conflictos intelectuales con el Islam, empezando por las caricaturas
de Mahoma, hayan surgido en la valiente Dinamarca). Pero después de
aquello, después de saber lo que habían sido Auschwitz y todas sus
sucursales, después de tener a su alcance todos los testimonios
posibles, ya constituido el Estado de Israel, tampoco hubo un
presidente, un rey, un Papa –Juan Pablo II hizo lo que pudo,
estableciendo relaciones entre Roma y Jerusalem– que hablaran tan
claro como acaba de hacerlo José María Aznar con el apoyo de su amigo
–y de todos nosotros– Marcello Pera.
La Iniciativa Amigos de Israel está llamada a concentrar a su
alrededor todos los esfuerzos, hasta ahora sueltos, de los que
trabajamos en este asunto durante décadas, y que apenas si nos vamos
conociendo gracias a Internet. Por mucho que lo lamenten unos cuantos
españoles y no pocos no españoles, Aznar ha dado una muestra de
grandeza, de sentido común y de sabiduría que nunca antes que él había
dado ninguno de sus pares, pese a todos los horrores del siglo XX.
Apunté en una ocasión que no existían los grandes hombres, sino las
grandes circunstancias, y que los hombres se medían por la dimensión
de esas circunstancias. Llevábamos sesenta y dos años de
circunstancias difíciles sin que nadie diera la talla en Europa, esta
pobre Europa suicida que ni siquiera es capaz de reconocer a sus
padres, de reconocer la forma de su alma, y se abraza al enemigo
demencialmente. Ahora está hecho. Yo lo esperaba de este hombre.
Israel Accepted Unanimously into OECD
Israel Accepted Unanimously into OECD
OECD membership will provide unprecedented benefits for the Israeli economy in the coming years. It has already forced the country to streamline its administration and crack down on corruption. The nation can look forward to greater global integration as well as vastly increased foreign investment. An upgraded credit rating will do much to improve the country's image and ease the burden of defense expenditure. The timeless maxim advocated by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 1930s, Neville Chamberlain, that the economy is the critical fourth arm of defense, has never been more relevant than in today's Middle East.
Nevertheless, Israel's accession to the OECD is long overdue. This week's signing was the culmination of two decades of Israeli efforts to have their contribution to the global economy recognized. The country is something of an economic miracle: no other has transformed itself from a proto-Socialist slither of desert into a regional power in less than half a century whilst under the peril of incessant existential conflict. Today, Israel attracts 30 times more Venture Capital investment per capita than Europe and lists more companies on the NASDAQ than the continent, along with India, China, and Japan combined. Israel has warranted urgent OECD membership more than many longstanding members.
Those appalled and concerned by the recent, all too hasty condemnations of Israel by various bodies and heads of state in response to the Gaza flotilla crisis, as well as the failure of most media outlets worldwide to maintain professional coverage of the affair as the evidence unfolded, can take solace in the proof that, in some respects, Israel is far from becoming the isolated pariah state which it seemed it would some weeks ago, and which its enemies might want the world to believe. Representatives of OECD member states voted unanimously to accept Israel as the group's 32nd member, a symbol of long-awaited, genuine mainstream recognition that the country deserves, as a focal point of international business, industry, and research.
After a three year accession process, Israel yesterday became the newest member of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). At a signing ceremony in Paris, Secretary-General Jose Angel Gurría praised the country's success in 'extracting itself from huge macroeconomic problems of hyperinflation and massive public debt' in the 1980s and 1990s as well as its general 'valuable perspective on promoting innovation, science and technology.'
OECD membership will provide unprecedented benefits for the Israeli economy in the coming years. It has already forced the country to streamline its administration and crack down on corruption. The nation can look forward to greater global integration as well as vastly increased foreign investment. An upgraded credit rating will do much to improve the country's image and ease the burden of defense expenditure. The timeless maxim advocated by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 1930s, Neville Chamberlain, that the economy is the critical fourth arm of defense, has never been more relevant than in today's Middle East.
Nevertheless, Israel's accession to the OECD is long overdue. This week's signing was the culmination of two decades of Israeli efforts to have their contribution to the global economy recognized. The country is something of an economic miracle: no other has transformed itself from a proto-Socialist slither of desert into a regional power in less than half a century whilst under the peril of incessant existential conflict. Today, Israel attracts 30 times more Venture Capital investment per capita than Europe and lists more companies on the NASDAQ than the continent, along with India, China, and Japan combined. Israel has warranted urgent OECD membership more than many longstanding members.
Those appalled and concerned by the recent, all too hasty condemnations of Israel by various bodies and heads of state in response to the Gaza flotilla crisis, as well as the failure of most media outlets worldwide to maintain professional coverage of the affair as the evidence unfolded, can take solace in the proof that, in some respects, Israel is far from becoming the isolated pariah state which it seemed it would some weeks ago, and which its enemies might want the world to believe. Representatives of OECD member states voted unanimously to accept Israel as the group's 32nd member, a symbol of long-awaited, genuine mainstream recognition that the country deserves, as a focal point of international business, industry, and research.
WIZO’s 90th Anniversary Commenced at the Consulate General of Israel in Miami
Mercedes Ivcher-Founding President-WIZO USA
WIZO’s 90th Anniversary
Thank you Deputy Consul General of Israel, Mr. Paul Hirschon, for welcoming us so warmly and with a such a short time notice. Thank you for taking from your busy schedule to receive us.
It is for me an honor and a privilege to be here today, specially under Israel’s roof, here in the Consulate of Israel in Miami ,with all my colleagues, in the name of WIZO, The Women International Zionist Organization, to officially open the celebrations of it’s 90th Anniversary.
Let me tell you a little bit of history: WIZO was born 90 years ago, in London by Lady Rebeca Sieff, Vera Weissman, Edith Eder, Romana Gudman and Henrietta Irwell. I can assure you they would have being very proud of all of us, that after 90 years, all the Federations all over the world including Israel, are celebrating this milestone .
Simultaneously when Wizo was founded in London, it was established in Jerusalem under the Federation of Hebrew women and under the auspices of Wizo, by Dr. Helen Kagan, the first TIPAT HALAV, mother and child pediatric clinic. Wizo established the first school of sewing and home economics in Tel Aviv, the first agricultural training farm in Nahalal Yehuda for boys and girls and the first boarding agricultural school for girls in Nahalal where the first boy that was admitted was General Moshe Dayan and where we have our sport center for the handicaps thanks to the Rohr Family.
Today, we have 800 projects, we are partners with the State of Israel, to better our Israeli society. We Wizo USA one of the newest federations, we are 28 years old and very proud to say that we started Wizo USA here in Miami from day one. We have here today with us one of the founders, Rosita Retelny, Vice President of Wizo USA. and one year later we opened the young chapter Yonit, that was chaired by Jana Falic with her friends and I can say that I feel very fortunate that Jana is today the new Wizo USA co-President.
The goals of Wizo’s founders remain as relevant today as they were in 1920. Concurrently Wizo keeps pace with changing times, diversifying and adapting activities, raising social awareness of women’s rights in Israel, providing shelters for battered women and promoting them in politics, exemplify Wizo’s success in meeting the needs of the hour.
Wizo strives with love and devotion to increase Jewish and Zionist identity amongst women all over the world; members on every continent are a torch of continuity, tradition, history and the legacy of the Jewish people throughout the ages. Our dedication and love for Israel, comes from our mothers and grandmothers. We are fifth or sixth generations of Wizo, they taught us to love this vibrant Jewish and Democratic State of Israel, a source of inspiration, leadership and moral example for the world.
May HASHEM bless all our leaders in Israel and around the world.
Let us have the strength and the commitment to continue educating thousands and thousands of children and youngsters.
Let us pray for our big children, our soldiers.
Let us pray for the State of Israel and for the whole world.
WIZO USA Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebration
TO ALL PRESIDENTS/CHAIRPERSONS OF WIZO FEDERATIONS
My dear chaveroth,
600 Excited Boy and Girls from WIZO Israel Branches throughout the country converge on the Western Wall to celebrate their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
These children come from one parent families, families in distress, immigrants and families from Ethiopia and the Former Soviet Union, and all took part in a full day of activities, organized by WIZO Israel in honor of WIZO’s 90th anniversary.
Whilst the country was glued to the media, absorbing every morsel of information regarding the hostile flotilla of 6 ships that were determined to enter Gaza despite every effort by the IDF to dissuade them, including offers to pass on their ‘humanitarian’ aid to the people of Gaza, 1200 children including their parents, members of their family and guests were headed to Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and the heart of Judaism, their spirits high and full of expectancy.
They were joined by Mrs. Helena Glaser, President of World WIZO, Mrs. Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson World WIZO Executive, Mrs. Yochy Feller, Chairperson WIZO Israel, Mrs. Atara Ilani, Treaurer, Mrs. Esther Mor, Chairperson Fundraising Dept. and co-Chairman ‘Friends of WIZO’, Mrs. Sylvie Pelosoff, Chairperson Organisation & Education Dept., Mrs. Gila Cohen, Chairperson Human Resources Div., Mrs. Betty Crystal, co-chairman ‘Friends of WIZO’ and co-Chairman World WIZO Council, members of ‘Friends of WIZO’, visitors from the WIZO Federations of Chile, Brazil, UK and Germany, members of Executive of World WIZO and WIZO Israel, friends and WIZO Israel volunteers.
The children were no strangers to hardships. They come from homes that struggle on a day to day basis to put food on their table, and to set them on their path to the future. They represent the miracle of Israel’s mass absorption of immigrants from all over the world, who came impoverished, many being catapulted into the 21st century within a short period of time. They represent families who have witnessed violence. They represent the future of Israel.
Each boy and girl who lives in Israel enjoys the freedom to be Jewish, to celebrate Festivals and rejoice in our heritage, but not all are able to celebrate their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, their coming of age.
It is a landmark in Jewish life, when boys are called up to the Torah, and is usually followed by a celebration, which signals the hopes and dreams of the family and friends for the future of the newly emerging Jewish adult. However many families or single parents are unable to provide this basic rite, and it is here, ever since the establishment of the State of Israel, that WIZO branches from all around the country, have stepped in. Following a year of study and experiences around their Jewish history and religion, thousands of girls and boys enjoy a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, organized by WIZO volunteers, just like every other Jewish boy and girl around the world.
This year, when marking the WIZO’s 90th anniversary, Yochy Feller, Chairperson of WIZO Israel, with the support of the World WIZO Executive, and the ‘Friends of WIZO’, founded by Esther Mor and Betty Crystal, decided to hold a mass celebration in Jerusalem for 600 boys and girls, from all around the country. The logistics were mind boggling, but it would be an experience to remember, not just for the celebrants, but also for WIZO volunteers, who work hard throughout the year, to make a better life for the underprivileged in Israeli society. With the generous help of Mrs. Jana Falic, co-President of WIZO USA and her husband Simon Falic, Rabbi Lipskar and the Shul of Bal Harbour, and the Gazit Globe Group, headed by Mr. Haim Katzman, this dream was turned into a reality.
The children were divided according to their towns and were showered with gifts. Boys received A Sidur, Tefillin and Tallit and a bag of goodies. Girls received a gold necklace with a Magen David and candlesticks and each participant was presented with certificates from WIZO and Western Wall Foundation. Each group took part in a different tour around Jerusalem and the 28 busses, displaying the WIZO logo and the excited children, wearing white WIZO hats and shirts, with their parents and families, toured around Jerusalem, for some this was their first time in the capital city.
Following the tours, each bus arrived at the Kottel, the Western Wall, and the excited children, eyes filled with wonder, drank in the atmosphere around them. The boys gathered around individual tables, and were warmly received by members of the Western Wall Foundation, who lovingly helped them to put on their Tefillin for the first time. Some of the boys wound their tefillin around their arms with confidence, some were shaking, all were absorbed in the moment in which they were taking joint responsibility for their people. Proud mothers, some with tears in their eyes, watched their children, Yehoshua from Belarus, one of four children, with a father who often left the home unattended, Sima, explaining the whole ceremony to her son in sign language, Orah in traditional Ethiopian dress staring with wonderment at the whole situation, and one child after another saying ‘Shema Yisrael’, the prayer that has accompanied our people throughout the ages.
When each boy had put on Tefillin, and the girls received certificates, there was a procession towards the Kottel, where the Torah was read, and songs were sung.
Particularly poignant was the mass prayer for the youth, and a special prayer for our soldiers, that were recited in front of the ancient stones of the Kottel.
The celebrants crossed over to the amphitheatre, at the back of the Western Wall and following an opening of drums and the peals of shofars (ram’s horns) everyone stood up and sang the Hatikvah. It was a powerful moment, and words cannot do justice to the beauty and the enormous impact on the children in the overwhelming ambiance of the surroundings, opposite the Temple Mount, and with the beautiful hills of Jerusalem in the background. A delicious meal, which is a ‘must’ at every Bat/Bar Mitzvah celebration, was served and enjoyed by the children, parents, families and all WIZO volunteers and guests.
Yochy Feller, the Chairperson of WIZO Israel, and the initiative behind the event, spoke to the hearts of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrants. ‘This morning, you left your homes as children, and now you are adults. Until now, you have been led, now it is up to you to take the lead. You are a powerful force, spread your wings and use that power’.
Mrs. Feller thanked Mrs. Helena Glaser, President of World WIZO and Mrs. Tova Ben Dov, Chairperson World WIZO Executive, for their support and welcomed World WIZO representatives from abroad,. She thanked Jana Falic, co-President WIZO USA, and her husband Simon Falic, Rabbi Lipskar and the Shul of Bal Harbour, Haim Katzman, Esther Mor, Betty Crystal, members of ‘Friends of WIZO’ and Irit Levy, who was the power behind the organization.
Shmuel Shriki, one of the parents from Karmiel, thanked WIZO Israel for organizing the wonderful day, for the gifts, and ended by saying, ‘It is through you, in WIZO, that our children do have equal opportunities, and as parents, we will always remember this special day, and know that we have someone to turn to’
A boy and girl from Azur, on behalf of all the children, parents and families, gave thanks to each and everyone who had taken part in the organization of this special day.
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Western Wall, congratulated WIZO on its 90th anniversary, and thanked Mrs. Jana Falic, who is a devoted supporter of the activities of the Foundation of the Western Wall, and had done so much to make it all happen. ‘This Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration is the link between the Jewish people and their heritage. Tefillin have been used since the time of the giving of the Torah and candlesticks reminds us that at any time, but especially as Shabbat descends, a Jewish woman can pray for anything she desires. This will not be a one time event, but a continuation in the chain of the Jewish people. WIZO stands by you and will be with you all the way’.Shai Gabso, a popular singer, entertained the gathering.
Rabbi Metzger, Chief Rabbi of Israel said, ‘You have spent a day immersed in Judaism, surrounded by old stones, now you are at the kottel, the core of Judaism, look at the walls behind you and think how many stories they can tell. Thanks to WIZO you have Tefillin and Candlesticks, don’t put them in the cupboard, let them protect you. Today our soldiers have done everything possible to protect life, not to destroy it, that is the Jewish way.
The atmosphere was one of pure joy and excitement, spontaneous song and dance, and an aura of love surrounded each child and his or her parents. As the rest of the world was condemning Israel, here, our children, were being spiritually strengthened with WIZO’s education and values. We cannot promise what these children’s’ future holds but we can ensure that they are equipped morally, spiritually and knowingly, to face every eventuality.
May God bless the children and their families, and all those who helped make this day into a reality.
I know that when reading this report, you will all be as moved as I was when I attended this outstanding memorable ceremony.
Affectionately yours,
Tova Ben-Dov
Chairperson World WIZO Executive
An Assault, Cloaked in Peace
An Assault, Cloaked in Peace
By MICHAEL B. OREN
Washington
PEACE activists are people who demonstrate nonviolently for peaceful co-existence and human rights. The mob that assaulted Israeli special forces on the deck of the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara on Monday was not motivated by peace. On the contrary, the religious extremists embedded among those on board were paid and equipped to attack Israelis — both by their own hands as well as by aiding Hamas — and to destroy any hope of peace.
Millions have already seen the Al Jazeera broadcast showing these “activists” chanting “Khaibar! Khaibar!”— a reference to a Muslim massacre of Jews in the Arabian peninsula in the seventh century. YouTube viewers saw Israeli troops, armed with crowd-dispersing paintball guns and side arms for emergency protection, being beaten and hurled over the railings of the ship by attackers wielding iron bars.
What the videos don’t show, however, are several curious aspects Israeli authorities are now investigating. First, about 100 of those detained from the boats were carrying immense sums in their pockets — nearly a million euros in total. Second, Israel discovered spent bullet cartridges on the Mavi Marmara that are of a caliber not used by the Israeli commandos, some of whom suffered gunshot wounds. Also found on the boat were propaganda clips showing passengers “injured” by Israeli forces; these videos, however, were filmed during daylight, hours before the nighttime operation occurred.
The investigations of all this evidence will be transparent, in accordance with Israel’s security needs. There is little doubt as to the real purpose of the Mavi Marmara’s voyage — not to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, but to create a provocation that would put international pressure on Israel to drop the Gaza embargo, and thus allow the flow of seaborne military supplies to Hamas. Just as Hamas gunmen hide behind civilians in Gaza, so, too, do their sponsors cower behind shipments of seemingly innocent aid.
This is why the organizers of the flotilla repeatedly rejected Israeli offers to transfer its cargo to Gaza once it was inspected for military contraband. They also rebuffed an Israeli request to earmark some aid packages for Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held hostage by Hamas for four years.
In the recent past, Israeli forces have diverted nine such flotillas, all without incident, and peacefully boarded five of the ships in this week’s convoy. Their cargoes, after proper inspection, were delivered to non-Hamas institutions in Gaza. Only the Marmara, a vessel too large to be neutralized by technical means such as fouling the propeller, violently resisted. It is no coincidence that the ship was dispatched by Insani Yardim Vakfi (also called the I.H.H.), a supposed charity that Israeli and other intelligence services have linked to Islamic extremists.
The real intent of breaking the embargo is to allow rockets to be transported to Gaza from Hamas’s suppliers in Syria and Iran. Israel has already intercepted several such ships laden with munitions. Since Israel’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005, Hamas has fired more than 10,000 rockets and mortars at our civilian population. This week, two Hamas rockets exploded near Ashkelon, one of Israel’s largest cities.
Israel has a right and a duty to defend itself from Hamas and its backers. Our struggle is not with the people of Gaza but only with the radical regime that overthrew the legitimate Palestinian Authority and has pledged to seek Israel’s destruction. Each day, Israel facilitates the passage into Gaza of more than 100 truckloads of food and medicine — there is no shortage of either. We, too, want a free Gaza — a Gaza liberated from brutal Hamas rule — as well as an Israel freed from terrorist threats.
Israel will scrupulously review the events surrounding the Marmara’s interception. But Israel will also persist in denying advanced weaponry to Hamas. At the same time, the Israeli government will vigorously pursue peace with the Palestinian Authority, which shares our need for defense against armed extremists. The real peace activists are those who support our vision of a two-state solution, not those supporting the terrorists bent on destroying it.
Michael B. Oren is Israel’s ambassador to the United States.
By MICHAEL B. OREN
Washington
PEACE activists are people who demonstrate nonviolently for peaceful co-existence and human rights. The mob that assaulted Israeli special forces on the deck of the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara on Monday was not motivated by peace. On the contrary, the religious extremists embedded among those on board were paid and equipped to attack Israelis — both by their own hands as well as by aiding Hamas — and to destroy any hope of peace.
Millions have already seen the Al Jazeera broadcast showing these “activists” chanting “Khaibar! Khaibar!”— a reference to a Muslim massacre of Jews in the Arabian peninsula in the seventh century. YouTube viewers saw Israeli troops, armed with crowd-dispersing paintball guns and side arms for emergency protection, being beaten and hurled over the railings of the ship by attackers wielding iron bars.
What the videos don’t show, however, are several curious aspects Israeli authorities are now investigating. First, about 100 of those detained from the boats were carrying immense sums in their pockets — nearly a million euros in total. Second, Israel discovered spent bullet cartridges on the Mavi Marmara that are of a caliber not used by the Israeli commandos, some of whom suffered gunshot wounds. Also found on the boat were propaganda clips showing passengers “injured” by Israeli forces; these videos, however, were filmed during daylight, hours before the nighttime operation occurred.
The investigations of all this evidence will be transparent, in accordance with Israel’s security needs. There is little doubt as to the real purpose of the Mavi Marmara’s voyage — not to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, but to create a provocation that would put international pressure on Israel to drop the Gaza embargo, and thus allow the flow of seaborne military supplies to Hamas. Just as Hamas gunmen hide behind civilians in Gaza, so, too, do their sponsors cower behind shipments of seemingly innocent aid.
This is why the organizers of the flotilla repeatedly rejected Israeli offers to transfer its cargo to Gaza once it was inspected for military contraband. They also rebuffed an Israeli request to earmark some aid packages for Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held hostage by Hamas for four years.
In the recent past, Israeli forces have diverted nine such flotillas, all without incident, and peacefully boarded five of the ships in this week’s convoy. Their cargoes, after proper inspection, were delivered to non-Hamas institutions in Gaza. Only the Marmara, a vessel too large to be neutralized by technical means such as fouling the propeller, violently resisted. It is no coincidence that the ship was dispatched by Insani Yardim Vakfi (also called the I.H.H.), a supposed charity that Israeli and other intelligence services have linked to Islamic extremists.
The real intent of breaking the embargo is to allow rockets to be transported to Gaza from Hamas’s suppliers in Syria and Iran. Israel has already intercepted several such ships laden with munitions. Since Israel’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005, Hamas has fired more than 10,000 rockets and mortars at our civilian population. This week, two Hamas rockets exploded near Ashkelon, one of Israel’s largest cities.
Israel has a right and a duty to defend itself from Hamas and its backers. Our struggle is not with the people of Gaza but only with the radical regime that overthrew the legitimate Palestinian Authority and has pledged to seek Israel’s destruction. Each day, Israel facilitates the passage into Gaza of more than 100 truckloads of food and medicine — there is no shortage of either. We, too, want a free Gaza — a Gaza liberated from brutal Hamas rule — as well as an Israel freed from terrorist threats.
Israel will scrupulously review the events surrounding the Marmara’s interception. But Israel will also persist in denying advanced weaponry to Hamas. At the same time, the Israeli government will vigorously pursue peace with the Palestinian Authority, which shares our need for defense against armed extremists. The real peace activists are those who support our vision of a two-state solution, not those supporting the terrorists bent on destroying it.
Michael B. Oren is Israel’s ambassador to the United States.